First time Trackday Questions and Answers - Tuner-Junction

babyit11 · #1 (**permalink**) June 15th, 2006, 06:47 PM

I have been asked a lot of times what all you need to do a trackday by first time trackday riders. I am going to post up some things that I can think of and anyone who wants to add to this feel free too.

-You have to have full leathers, boots, and over the wrist gloves, and of course DOT Helmet. A back protector is not always required but is good to have.

-basic bike prep will generally include disconnecting your all you lights or removing the fuse for them and also taping them up. That can be done will duct tape, electrical tape, painters tape etc. Also mirrors must be removed.

-generally in the beginner class you don't need to safety wire the oil plug, oil filter, and coolant plug. But it isn't a bad idea if you have time and tools. Also, you generally don't have to drain antifreeze and put water in the radiator for most beginner classes, but again it definately isn't a bad idea to do. And some organizations do require it. It is good to do a once over to make sure everything is tight though. You don't want to loose nuts and bolts on the track. And if anything is loose it WILL work its way out on the track with all the vibrations.

-That is pretty much it for equipment and bike prep. Pretty straight forward.

-As for tires, in beginner any tires will do but they to need to be at least 80% of tread left. As you progress trackday/race tires like Pirelli Supercorsa's or Dunlop GPA's or Metzeler racetec's will become more fun.

-Always drink plenty of water. And an easy up is almost a must, especially in the summer.

-Something that they do generally check in chain tension...most of the time you will be too tight. I have always been told that it should barely slap your swingarm. Seems to loose but it is not.

Trackdays are a blast and great place to run your bike through it's paces. But do remember to still ride in your own limits and work your way up. It is not a race and you will advance in classes faster if you are under control and smooth quicker than just riding fast.

again if any1 wants to add to this feel free to do so.

ReCKwOn · #2 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2006, 03:03 AM

and remember the golden rule, always pass the slow riders from inside of the turns

mad-ass · #3 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2006, 10:32 AM

I am just now reading all the basic needs to learn how to ride a motorcycle and how they work and such.

keep this stuff coming!

BBs99 · #4 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2006, 10:48 AM

the main thing about track days is to keep in mind that it's not an actual race. if someone holding you up you don't have to pass them right away. just be cool and get around when it's safe. and if someone faster is behind you(like me

) wave them by in the straights.

BBs99 · #5 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2006, 11:04 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3LaXpVr0KA

case in point. the guy shooting the vid was being being held up, but knew it wasnt a good place to pass so he just stayed put. the guy behind him got impatient, passed on the outside, tried to out brake everyone, locked his rear tire and paid the price.

ReCKwOn · #6 (**permalink**) June 17th, 2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReCKwOn

and remember the golden rule, always pass the slow riders from inside of the turns

since no one commented on the last post, it was a joke, in reality its actually the other way around.

Also don't try to force a knee-drag on your first track day, lots of people do it and while most get away with it there is still a good # of riders that go down. 2nd part of that is once you do drag knee and build your confidence, do NOT try to replicate that on city streets. Only few individuals suffer from this disease though, most level headed riders know better.

babyit11 · #7 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReCKwOn

since no one commented on the last post, it was a joke, in reality its actually the other way around.

Also don't try to force a knee-drag on your first track day, lots of people do it and while most get away with it there is still a good # of riders that go down. 2nd part of that is once you do drag knee and build your confidence, do NOT try to replicate that on city streets. Only few individuals suffer from this disease though, most level headed riders know better.

i just read ur post and i was gonna say.......
i taugh u was serious

.
yes guys, im not an AMA racer or anything like that, but don't, DON'T try to be Valentino Rossi(best roadracer of our time) on the track, its not like u have anything to prove, and rememeber that ur not getting pay to race so way puch the limit.